Fruition, The Culture, T.V. Kicks, Sister Ray.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 11th November 2006.

A rather flat night was not a reflection of the four bans on show tonight. The very late withdrawal of original headliners Red Dollar led to a hastily re-arranged gig that sadly failed to attract very many of the paying public. A shame because the quality and honesty of the bands tonight deserved much more.

Headliners FRUITION probably best summed up everyone's thoughts when their vocalist peered out at the sparse audience and announced "We know you all." They probably did!
Fruition's only fault this evening is the constant plugging of their new E.P, which was optimised by their comment "This would make a good Christmas Present!" Hmmm, I think 'Stop the Clocks' is probably a better option.
Joking aside, the set is confidently performed and the songs are very good, very much in common with the previous band this evening, THE CULTURE.

However, from a personal point of view, the real value tonight came at the start of the gig with the Level 2 debut of the atomic powered duo TV Kicks, who mix 'everyday life' lyrics with power playing. With some amusing adlibs between songs who needs Fluoxetine when you have got this pair for 35 minutes. Hopefully on their next appearance more folk will see for themselves just how addictive this band are.

Complementing the bill tonight is the Django Reinhardt like gypsy guitar skills of SISTER RAY. This, allied to Genna's vocal style, is so moving and at times her anguish is like being dragged backwards through a roll of razorwire, especially on the powerful 'Mental Problems' (oh, those facial expressions!) while partner Giuseppe diligently strums away. Superb.